Literacy Technology for Struggling Literacy Technology for Struggling WritersWriters

Literacy Technology for Struggling Literacy Technology for Struggling WritersWriters

Basic Writing Skills Curriculum

• Identify topics• Find and use relevant sources and identify relevant information

(which involves reading and/or listening skills)• Organize/outline thoughts• Fill in the details of an outline• Write drafts• Proof and correct drafts• Complete and present the final version

Technologies Useful for Adapting theWriting Curriculum

• Digitized-text Technologies– Text is digitized to allows adaptations to printed

materials (e.g, font size, color,background colors)• Text-to-speech (TTS) technologies

– Typed text is read by computerized speech• Word Prediction Technologies

– Software that “guesses” the word a student wants to type on the basis of the letters already typed

– Word prediction can assist with “word finding” problems and spelling.

Technologies Useful for AdaptingLiteracy Curriculum (cont.)

• Organizational Technologies– Tools for prewriting processes (e.g. brainstorming,

organizing, outlining)• Speech Recognition Technologies

– Dictation-- spoken word translated into written text– Computer Control-- control of the computer, and

software applications by speaking commands• Alternate Writing Technologies

– Computers– Adaptive keyboards

E-Reader• Digitized text• Electronic text read

aloud, including Web pages.

Text is highlighted as it reads e-text aloud

Control the way the electronic text looks

Enter any text and have that text read aloud as you type

www.cast.orgEtext Reader

Reading Pen II• TTS technology

• Reads aloud a word or phrase passed over printed text.

• Words are heard through a small, built-in speaker or through earphones.

• Pen’s software dictionary has definition 200,000 words.

• Useful for library research.

http://www.wizcomtech.com

InfoScan Electronic Note Taker

• Mobile device takes notes from almost any printed document, creating fully editable MS Word documents on the PC, PDA or any Windows application.

• User scans and transfer printed text directly into a PC or scan (up to 500 pages)

• Scan and put in TTS software

http://www.wizcomtech.com

Write: Outloud• TTS Technology• Easy-to-use word processor that

gives immediate speech feedback as students type words, sentences and paragraphs.

• As students draft their writing, they see and hear if their writing makes sense.

• Can speak words and sentences, read whole entries, and repeat text as often as users desire.

http://www.donjohnston.com/

Write: Outloud

Co:Writer 4000• Word prediction Technology• Co:Writer 4000 works on top

of any word processor or program that accepts text.

• As students type, it predicts words for the sentence, even if they use phonetic spelling.

• Predicted words are read aloud to help students reveal their word options.

http://www.donjohnston.com/

Co-writer 4000 Sample Page

Draft:Builder• Organizational Technology

• Used in creating a first draft: organizing ideas, taking notes and writing the draft.

• It models the logical, progressive steps of draft-writing and displays a visual representation of the process.

• The display gives students a framework to generate, manipulate and connect ideas and information.

Draft:Builder Sample Page

SOLO• SOLO™ combines

Co:Writer®, Write:OutLoud® Draft:Builder®,— and introduces Read:OutLoud™!

• One completely integrated solution to differentiate instruction and assist in the learning process

http://www.donjohnston.com/

Kurzweil 3000

• A a scanning, reading and writing solution for students with learning or reading or writing difficulties.

• Scanned reading materials can be modified and be TTS delivered

• Also had word prediction and integrated reference tools such as dictionary, synonyms, syllables, spell word, audible spell checking, and vocabulary list features.

• Digitized text can be modified and read.www.kurzweiledu.com

IntelliTalk III

• IntelliTalk III is an innovative word-processing program that – combines speech, graphics, and text in ways that allow

for flexibility of presentation and response. – Has digitized text, text-to-speech and word prediction

technologies and more. – Spell check with auditory aid– Auditory feedback for letters, words, sentences– Ability to add recorded speech– Website: www.intellitools.com

UDL Features of IntelliTalk III• Visual Features: Digitized text can be programmed

for different visual presentations– Easily adjust font size/style/color– Easily adjust background color– Include pictures for visual representation– Allows for highlighting words as it speaks or reads– Can select flash scanning highlights

UDL Features of IntelliTalk III• Speaking/ Reading Features• Can be programmed to speak each letter, word or sentence as it is

typed. These settings can be mixed and matched. – Ability to add recorded speech

• Can be programmed to read what has been written previously. – Reads original text and/or text scanned or cut-and-pasted from

secondary sources: textbooks, websites.– Will also read word choices in spell check– Has integrated word prediction to assist in writing fluency.– Has built-in pronunciation editor (e.g. Baja = “baha”)– Can be programmed to read menus, dialogue boxes, palettes, text

Speech Recognition Technology

• Students can create, edit, and revise documents and e-mail-even surf the Web by voice.

• Free users from dependence on the mouse, keyboard and stylus for many applications.

• Useful for students with writing challenges and those who have physical challenges

http://www.scansoft.com

www.scansoft.com

Inspiration 7.5

• Organization technology• Integrated diagramming and

outlining environments• Over 50 curriculum-aligned

templates that inspire classroom quick-starts.

• Visual and audio to support multiple learning styles including text-to-speech.

• Templates include: Language Arts, Social Studies, Science: Planning

Inspiration Can Be Used Across the Writing Curriculum

• Brainstorming

• Webbing

• Diagramming

• Planning

• Critical thinking

• Concept mapping

• Organizing

• Outlining

Inspiration Lesson Page Diagram and

Outline View

Inspiration: Built-in Language Arts Templates

• Autobiographical Event• Book Comparison• Character Web• Comparative Analysis• Definition• Literary Comparison• Literary Web

• Persuasive Essay• Poetic Analysis• Story Triangle• Textual Analysis• Vocabulary• Mythic Journey

• Kidspiration• Interactive video

Inspiration for Palm OS• NEW organizational

technology

• Similar to Inspiration software-- integrated diagramming and outlining environments

• Can sync with computer

Computers for Writing• Writing with a computer

allows a student to concentrate on his or her ideas and leave the editing and/or re-writing for later.

How Computer Support the Writing Process

• No more handwriting problems• Proofreading is easier because text is more legible• Less frustration with the tool's limitations• No more re-writes• Spelling and mechanics can be de-emphasized and moved to

the end of the writing process• Organization can be dealt with easily by cutting and pasting

and/or using outlining programs

Adapted from: Wanderman, R. (1990) Tips on Writing for People with Learning Disabilities http://www.ldresources.com/articles/writing_tips.html

Alphasmart 3000/NEO/Dana Wireless

• Alternate writing technology• Alphasmart is a portable full-size, full-feature keyboard• Useful for taking notes in class and/or writing first drafts• Different models with different features including wireless, run

Palm OS software, internet capabilities

www.alphasmart.com

Final Suggestions• Careful planning should precede technology purchases

– General and special educators along with computer and technology specialists (and others as needed) should be included in making the curricular decisions.

– Purchase software that provides many options (e.g., text-to-speech, word prediction, student assessment and tracking)

– Download and use trial versions of software to assist in decision considerations

Final Suggestions (cont.)

• Implement UDL literacy software/devices schoolwide– Install software on each instructional station.– Whenever possible, choose printed instructional

materials that also have digitized options• Have students work in cooperative writing groups using

UDL software/devices• Provide options for presentation of written paper

Final Suggestions (cont.)• Identify resources for any necessary scanning and OCR.

– Use paraprofessionals or parent or student organizations– Develop a system to maintain scanned materials

• Time to Learn – Teachers need instruction and time to learn how to use

software and adaptive devices– Students need to time to learn how to use software and

adaptive devices. • Students with special needs may need more instruction

and guidance